Small Group
Southern Japan Biking
Cycle Kyushu’s lush lands
8 Days, 7 Nights
Maximum Group Size
16
Activity Level:
B&R Activity Levels
Priced per person from
$11,295 USD
Single Supplement: $3,500 USD
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Carbon Neutral Trip
Southern Japan is a slow-burning stunner—think tea fields, volcano views, Shinto blessings, and coastlines that go on forever. Ride riverside trails to lush ecoparks, cross suspension bridges that test your nerve, and meet artisans who keep ancient crafts alive. With kominkan chats, mythical dances, and hot springs at day’s end, Kyushu charms from every angle.
Preview the itinerary
No two trips are ever the same, but this will give you a taste of what your journey will be like.
Day 1
Begin pedalling through the Kagoshima “Hinterland,” along quiet farming roads with sweeping views of the Kirishima Mountains. Pedal by rolling green tea fields, eventually arriving at a lunch of local specialties. Continue to Kagoshima Shrine, where we’ll be welcomed with a special Shinto ceremony, then we’re off to the hotel for our first welcome dinner.
Activity:
20 km (12 mi.) morning ride
13 km (8 mi.) bike ride on quiet farming roads, century-old train tracks and rolling terrain
Day 2
Hop on our bikes and ride past expansive rice fields, stopping for traditional Japanese comfort cuisine for lunch. Then, we’ll make our way to the awe-inspiring Ryumon waterfall, and eventually, the Ryumonjiyaki Pottery Studio to learn about the incredible craft. Tonight, we’ll indulge in a fabulous “Shabu-Shabu” dinner.
Activity:
24 km (15mi.) morning ride
12 km (7.3 mi.) afternoon ride a low gradient mountain climb before a steeper climb
Day 3
Ride along stunning coastlines and smooth trails, spotting the monumental Sakurajima volcano in the distance. Pause in “Wakamikobana,” where our local friend will host us for coffee and sweets in a traditional house—here, we’ll feel transported through time. Then, we’re off to the region famous for kurozu to learn about the brewing process and a tasting. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a delightful dinner at the hotel.
Activity:
33 km (20 mi.) scenic morning bike ride on gently rolling terrain with one climb at the end
Day 4
Follow the “Miyazaki Aya cycling route,” pedalling along a tranquil road that traces the local riverside, eventually crossing the longest pedestrian bridge in the world—the “Aya Teruha Suspension Bridge.” We’ll then be immersed in the world of Japanese indigo dye, learning about the age-old tradition from local artisans. Then, we’ll be driven north to our next hotel where we’ll enjoy a wonderful dinner.
Activity:
22 km (14 mi.) morning ride through the forest with an incline that makes for a more challenging ride
Day 5
Head out to explore the picturesque landscapes of the legendary town of Takachiho—renowned for its spiritual aura and sacred ambiance. We’ll pause for lunch using fresh, local ingredients, then continue pedalling to “Amano Yasukawara,” a natural cave with a small shrine. Tonight, we’ll dine at a local farmhouse for dinner.
Activity:
28 km (17.3 mi.) morning ride
3 km (2 mi.) afternoon ride over rolling hill terrain beside abundant rice fields
Day 6
Our ride begins in the enchanting Aso Geopark, pedalling along the Milk Road that traces the caldera grasslands and cattle pastures, eventually reaching Manganji Hot Spring—a hidden gem nestled beside a river. We’ll dine at one of our favourite restaurants for lunch before we’re whisked away to our next hotel.
Activity:
27 km (16 mi.) Ubuyama ranch to Daikanbo and Sakamoto Zenzo Museum
10 km (6 mi.) Aya Castle to Rondine extension
Day 7
Discover the tranquility of Yufuin with a scenic ride to Mount Yufu, followed by a visit to Artegio’s blend of art and culture. Spend the afternoon unwinding at the hotel before enjoying a final, delicious dinner in its serene setting.
Activity:
25 km (18 mi.) morning ride
30 km (19 mi.) afternoon ride
Day 8
After one final breakfast, it’s time to say sayonara.
Rendezvous
Airport City: Tokyo
Trip Start: Palace Hotel Tokyo
Time: 6:15am
Farewell
Airport City: Kokonoe
Trip End: Sanso Warabino
Time: After breakfast
* Itineraries are subject to change. Please confirm exact Trip Start and Trip End locations upon booking.
Featured stays
Wasure no sato GAJOEN
Location: Kirishima, Japan
The Meibia Miyazaki
Location: Miyazaki, Japan
Takachiho Ryokan Shinsen
Location: Takachiho, Japan
Sanso Warabino
Location: Yufuin, Japan
Dates & availability
Dates
Price
per person, double occupancy
+$NaN USD single supplement
Join
Join a group of up to 16 like-minded travellers.
Privatize
8+ people
Pricing depends on group size
Detailed Itinerary
Uniquely tailored for each date
Can't find your dates?
Get in touch to craft a Bespoke itinerary or request an additional date to Privatize.
What's included
Accommodation & dining
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners as indicated on the itinerary.
All accommodation as indicated on the itinerary.
Thoughtfully selected local wines, beers, cocktails or non-alcoholic beverages with all meals.
Active essentials
Choice of bike as appropriate for terrain (see below), equipped with handlebar bag and helmet.
A biodegradable B&R water bottle.
Use of a smartphone with downloaded GPS routes provided via RideWithGPS.
Guided services & gratuities
Services of B&R guide(s).
All special events, private tours, guest experts and entrance fees.
All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel services.
Transportation & logistics
Transportation from pick up to drop off.
Baggage transportation.
Access to the B&R support van every step of the way.
What's Not Included: International flights, travel protection, gratuity for your B&R guides.
This trip is carbon neutral. Learn more about our Sustainability commitment.
Experience Designer
Good to know
Food
We’ll indulge in a variety of incredible cuisine on this trip. However, it’s very difficult to accommodate gluten-free or vegan diets. For Japan specifically, a dietary form is required at the time of booking.
Language
Kyushu is still an untouched island, and very few locals in the travel industry speak fluent English. We’ll do our best to translate, but please be patient with the hotel staff.
Terrain
Kyushu offers diverse terrain which can include some steep hills. We recommend choosing an e-bike if you don't ride hills regularly.
Why choose a Small Group trip?
An Effortless Journey
Our expert Experience Designers are perfectionists, using first-hand knowledge of routes, restaurants and hotels to create an unforgettable experience. This means all the planning is taken care of for you. All you need to do is enjoy.
Active Exploration
From emerging destinations to iconic sights, B&R trips show you the world in a new way on our expertly developed cycling, walking and hiking routes. Travelling through historic villages and romantic vineyards and up to striking viewpoints, our routes offer a variety of challenges for every activity level.
Friends for Life
Your fellow travellers are as passionate and curious about the world as you are, which means the conversations and laughs will be as free flowing as your drink of choice. Don't be surprised if your group starts planning a reunion before the trip is done.
Room for Surprises
We love a plan, but we adore a spontaneous moment even more. Whether it’s an impromptu al fresco meal or a moon-lit musical performance, our advice is to expect the unexpected.
